#inexpensive audio

[radioconstructed]

Ms Radio Demon I would like a free radio please

ref!

⌖ Go on over to the Radio Shack near the clock tower and let 'em know AL SENT YA! They'll take care of you!

[what-even-is-thiss]

Some free or inexpensive comprehensible input, audio and video lessons, and listening practice stuff for popular languages because idk I felt like googling some stuff today

Arabic: Yale k-16 interactive reading, Arabic Comprehensible, Egyptic

Bengali: Bangla Shekho, Bengali Fairy Tales

Chinese (Mandarin): Comprehensible Chinese, hackingchinese.com, Acquire Mandarin, Comprehensible Mandarin, Blabla Chinese, Easy Mandarin, Mandarin Click

English: English Comprehensible input for ESL beginners, Dreaming English, EnglishClass101, British Council LearnEnglish, News in Slow English

French: French Comprehensible Input, alice ayel, Easy French, innerfrench.com, Little Talk in Slow French, Francais Authentique

German: DW Learn German, Naturlich German, Comprehensible German, Easy German, Löwenzahn, Deutsch Direkt, Learn German With Falk

Greek (modern): Natural Languages TRPS Greek, Helinka, Hellinic American Union, Easy Greek, Greekpod101

Greek (ancient): Easy Latin (Greek Course), Alpha With Angela (biblical [Kione] Greek), Chihon Teaches, Ancient Greek in Action, Athenaze

Hebrew: The Hebrew Adventure, Free Hebrew (Biblical Hebrew), Hebrew Time, thehebrewcafe.com

Hindi: Comprehensible Hindi, HindiPod101, Hindi TV, Easy Hindi

Hungarian: FluentBox, Magyar Hungarian, Speak Hungarian With Angie, Easy Hungarian,

Icelandic: Icelandic For Foreigners, icelandiconline.com, Ylhyra, Viltu laera islensku,

Italian: Italian For Americans, Easy Italian, Learn Italian With Lucrezia, teacherstefano.com

Japanese: Comprehensible Japanese, DailyJapanese, Akane Japanese Class, iroironanihongo, Japanese Immersion With Asami, Speak Japanese Naturally, Learn Japanese with Tanaka san,

Korean: Comprehensible Input Korean, Korean Patch, Immersion in Korean, Intuit Korean, Learn Korean in Korean, Hello Jadoo, MAVOCA, Storytime in Korean, Talk to Me in 100% Korean

Latin: Easy Latin, ScorpioMartianus, Quomodo Dicitur?, Found In Antiquity, The London Latin Course

Portuguese: Teach Yourself Portuguese, The Sounds of Portuguese, Portuguese With Leo, Easy Portuguese

Russian: Comprehensible Russian, Easy Russian, About Russian in Russian, Russian With Max, Russian from Russia, Real Russian Club

Spanish: Dreaming Spanish, Teacher Catalina. Hola Spanish, Easy Spanish,

[commodorez]

I still believe the craziest form of computer program storage format from the 1980s is the cassette tape. Logical I get it but to store entire programs on little tape (that I only remember using to play music) is just crazy to me. Idk

Agreed, cassette tape for data storage was really clever. The concept had its heyday was the 1970s in a wide variety of encoding schemes for different computer platforms. It did persist into the 80s, mostly in Europe, while the US switched to floppy disks as soon as they were available for systems. The majority of my Ohio Scientific software is on cassette.

Talking with UK vs. US Commodore 64 users in particular will highlight the disparity in which storage mediums that were commonplace. I've got a few pieces of software on tape for mainly the VIC-20, but I rarely bother to use it, because it's slow and annoying. To be fair, Commodore's implementation of data storage on tape is pretty rock solid relative to the competition. It's considered more reliable than other company's but Chuck Peddle's implementation of the cassette routines are considered quite enigmatic to this day. He didn't document it super well, so CBM kept reusing his old code from the PET all the way through the end of the C128's development 7 years later because they didn't want to break any backward compatibility.

The big thing that really made alot of homebrewers and kit computer owners cozy up to the idea was the introduction of the Kansas City Standard from 1976. The idea of getting away from delicate and slow paper tape, and moving towards an inexpensive, portable, and more durable storage medium was quite enticing. Floppy disk drives and interfaces were expensive at the time, so something more accessible like off the shelf audio tapes made sense.

I've linked two places you can read about it from Byte Magazine's February 1976 issue below (check the attribution links).

You might recognize a familiar name present...

There are a few ways to encode binary data on tape designed to handle analog audio, but the KCS approach is to have 1's be 8 cycles of 2400Hz tone, and 0's be 4 cycles of 1200Hz tone. I say cycles, because while 300 baud is the initial specification, there is also a 1200 baud specification available, so the duration of marks vs spaces (another way of saying 1's and 0's), is variable based on that baud rate. Many S-100 computers implemented it, as do a few contemporary proprietary designs.

The big 3 microcomputers of 1977 that revolutionized the industry (Apple II, Commodore PET 2001, and Tandy TRS-80 Model I) each have their own cassette interface implementation. It kept costs down, and it was easy to implement, all things considered. The Apple II and TRS-80 use off-the-shelf cassette deck connections like many other machines, whereas the original variant of the PET had an integrated cassette. Commodore later used external cassette decks with a proprietary connector, whereas many other companies abandoned tape before too long. Hell, even the original IBM PC has a cassette port, not that anybody bothered to use that. Each one used a different encoding format to store their data, rather than KCS.

Here's a sample of what an OSI-formatted tape sounds like.

And here's a Commodore formatted tape, specifically one with VIC-20 programs on it.

I won't subject you to the whole program, or we'd be here all day. The initial single tone that starts the segment is called the "leader", I've truncated it for the sake of your ears, as well as recorded them kinda quietly. I don't have any other tape formats on hand to demonstrate, but I think you get the idea.

You can do alot better than storing programs on tape, but you can also do alot worse -- it beats having to type in a program every time from scratch.

[cl0ckworkpuppet]

time for my monthly mp3 player propaganda post!

yall. don't fucking stream music off of youtube or spotify. they pay their creators shit. the most generous estimate i could find was artists being paid $1 for every 200 streams (0.5¢ per stream), and unless you're listening to songs on an album thousands times in total, it helps tremendously more to just. buy their albums or subscribe to a patreon-like service for them

mp3 players are laughably inexpensive (you can get a decent one with bluetooth for like $40-50 and you can get away with even less if you forego some features), many of them are drag-and-drop, no ads, decent enough sound quality for the average person, unlimited skips, track selection, regular play and shuffle, playlists, being able to shut off your screen, and more importantly, ALL OF THIS IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT A SUBSCRIPTION. i've always been an avid hater of subscription models. there are some things where it's understandable, but you shouldn't lose access to basic QOL features just because you can't or won't fork over $10-15 a month.

"b-b-but $50 is so expensive!" WRONG. $50 (which is more than i've EVER spend on a single mp3 player) is the equivalent to 5 months on spotify premium without discounts. if you can afford that, it's worth investing into a device that can last you literal years if you get a good one and take good care of it

"but i don't wanna carry around another device!" fair enough, but these things are small enough to fit in tiny pockets (mine fits snugly in the watch pocket of my jeans) and are typically light enough to not be burdensome. if you can carry around your phone, you can carry around an mp3 player

"what if people think i'm weird for having outdated technology" let them. it's worth it in my opinion if it means i get to listen to music ad-free. the most I've ever gotten was "wooooah bro's got the dinosaur tech" and i just thought that was funny personally

"but what if the artist collapses without a constant stream of money!!! i'm not supporting the artist!!!!!" companies try to pay as little as they can get away with to artists. most of that money goes to the CEO and other higher-ups.

"but piracy is bad!" Piracy is a Crime. However, downloading youtube videos/audio for your own PERSONAL, NON-COMMERCIAL USE and NOT REDISTRIBUTING THEM is legal (generally, in the US, check your laws, i am not a lawyer, not legal advice, blah blah blah). besides, i never said you had to pirate your music. in fact, i encourage you to buy the albums of and support your favourite artists in other ways. some artists might even provide links for people to download their songs for free in high quality anyway

not gonna link products just in case someone thinks i'm a shill. but literally just look up "mp3 player" on your search engine or shopping site of choice and find something that doesn't look like it'll fall apart if you breathe on it too hard

seriously guys. if you listen to music more than like a few hours a week, and you don't get all of your music from livestreams or radios (although mine can connect to AM/FM radio), consider investing in an mp3 player. i tried out using one regularly in fall of 2021, and I haven't looked back. don't let companies drain subscription money from you

[gaystuffgarbage]

Great, free/inexpensive programs I have and love

Audio:

Audacity, VCL player

Video editing:

Vegas pro 18.0, got my copy from an Ebay seller for 5 dollars. The key was from a scrap part computer. Works like a dream

Art:

Paint Tool Sai 2, it's easier to get for free than actually buy. (I have tried but I haven't found an actual site to pay for the license) THIS VERSION HAS THE TEXT AND perspective rulers!!)

Animation/3d art:

Mikumiku dance, Blender

Video Recording:

OBS, Bandicam (unlicensed will have a watermark and you can only record 10mins max per clip. If you are fluent enough in video editing you can just cut these out)

Please be careful and keep common sense in mind when you are downloading anything from the internet.

[audio-luddite]

Right and Wrong.

Mr Guttenberg the "audiophiliac" keeps spinning videos. It's his job. Sometimes more than a grain of salt is needed to listen to this stuff. Every new and different product seems to be better. He has a new best.

This is the "best planar magnetic" speaker and it is from France. It is not inexpensive.

He does go on about the basic superiority of dipoles that fill the room with sound. His current reference speakers are cone dipoles. Recall I believe this is a major flaw in the concept as all those extra sound waves careen around the room. They are not in the original signal, they confuse things. Yet he praised the imagery and clarity of these things. How are all those extra bits not confusing? Its the old brain thing of prioritizing the initial signal you hear and consigning the other things to something else.

Is it not better to put out just the signal on the recording into the room?

Two things I want to emphasize about his opinions.

First is that these are "push pull" magnetics with magnets on the front and back so they are more linear. Errr, not so much, but more magnets make a more uniform field strength. They do not mean these are linear as the diaphragm is under tension so excursions are fought by the membrane tension. But sorta yes they are more linear, but not actually linear.

Second is his experience of always shifting and moving them as each recording he played sounded different. Phase cancellation dude. One of the true evils of of dipoles. Each position gives a different frequency response. That is not a good feature even though he enjoyed it.

Arguably these are very much like Magneplanars if they decided to go really upscale. Maggies are made from MDF which is a crappy material that has one good behaviour. It damps vibration. It is cheap made from glue and wood waste. The French product has steel front and back faces with MDF in between. That means they are heavy and have more inertial mass to resist motion from the vibrating air. It can push harder. Newton says the air will push back. These will work better than maggies.

Big Planar speakers have one really good parameter. They move a lot of air. They have good acoustic impedance matching to the room. That makes the sound more immediate and "alive" which is the effect of simple efficient transfer of energy from the speaker to the air.

Horn loaded speakers do the same thing, just with the added distortion from being a horn.

Each has its problems.

So here is another flavour of the week. Tastes good, but it is not audio nirvana.

In other news I listened to my "Kind of Blue" LP.

I first did some searches for info about the label Jazz Wax. I have another of those I like. Talk about a rabbit hole. Internet forum wisdom is that my copy may be a legal pirated version. A privateer version? One forum decried the label Jazz Wax as stealing masters that had expired copyrights. Some bastards in Europe are cutting LPs from CD copies say these paragons of justice.

Interesting and maybe true, certain no. Copyrights do expire on published works. But I think the property rights of the physical media product do not expire like that. Miles Davis' work is Public Domain if he has been dead long enough and his estate did not renew it. But the ownership of the masters I think remains with the company who produced or purchased it. That is why Universal has all those underground vaults with master tapes and digital files squirreled away. No point if someone could just copy an old CD. Whatever, I am not a lawyer.

It was interesting the intensity and vehemence of the discussion. Really calm down people. Kind of Blue is a work of performing art. If I want an LP and it is legally for sale in a store in my city why complain.

As far as quality it is pretty good. New York Columbia recordings from 1959 can be fine. And Jazz does not get processed to sound good on AM Radio. This one is half speed direct metal mastered. One forum guy screamed that DMM sucked and had no Bass. Not my experience. Be that as it may it is a musical Icon work. Some consider it to be the most important Jazz album ever. I do not want to go looking for ancient and rare LPs in bins. Fresh heavy vinyl is better.

There are some interesting effects in the recording. I have to listen again to track them down. The original was three track tape. I am pretty sure there are overdubs in there. Whatever it is good music.

That is the point right?

[zipzapproductions]

Pam!

Pam is a robot made from 20+ year old computer parts (mostly G3 iMac parts) and a ton of time on the creator’s hands. She was originally voiceless and only beeped, either in morse code or through song. When Komppi transitioned, he had a friend get his old voice files working onto Pam, who had an OS very identical to Komppi but prevented voice files from being used. During this, the person that made both Komppi and Pam rebuilt Pam’s old code and put in the original LMI-01 (Komppi) voice file. It was a lot easier to swap the voice files on Komppi then adding a voice into Pam’s files.

She was later given wings and can fly.

Other information:

Favorite song: theme from Flood (video of them singing it can be found here) Fun with Foam Rot (can be heard on the Pam Board Bracelet episode of Bedside Kandi)

Favorite show: DHX Media’s World Screw Those Possible Giants

Favorite color: grey

Favorite items: her Game Boy collection

Significant others: Marula Akapane and Mia Kihei

Their name originated from the PAM (Power Analog Microelectronics) amplifier boards, which are inexpensive and used in small DIY audio system projects. She was created when lead animator Sunny rediscovered this video.

[whitecappslll]

Youtubers.. Please get a microphone

I find myself watching tutorials on youtube. For anything and everything. There are many other sources for this info, but I use youtube most often. My number one gripe about these DIY youtubers, is that many of them have very poor audio. Like anyone can film themselves with their phone and call it a youtube video. And that's fine. But if you're really trying to help people learn something, you need to have a decent microphone!! I can not stress this enough. Even an inexpensive wired mic from amazon. Anything would be better than just using your default microphone on your device. In fact I should do a video to demonstrate the difference that a decent microphone can make. Yes, I could just use captions to get anything that's inaudible. But even that isn't fool proof. Remember the old commercial? "Can you hear me now?" The answer to that should be yes. So get a microphone please! thanks.

[audiovenue]

Demonstration setup for later today. Comparing a relatively inexpensive streamer, Bluesound Node to Auralic Altair G2.1. Then to compare Sonus faber Olympica NovaII to B&W 702Signature. . #luxuryhifi #hifiealing #hifi #bluesound #bluesoundnode #qobuz #auralic #auralicaltairg2.1 #maidenhead #bowerswilkins #702s2signature #olympicanovaII #hegelh390 #hegel #sonusfaber #audiophiles #stereophile #midendaudio #ealing #olympicanova2 #luxuryaudio #makeitealing #maidenhead #ealingbroadway #sl6 #hifi #audiovenue . . @bowerswilkins . @hegelmusicsystem . @sonusfaber . . @auralicltd (at Audio Venue) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChT-f-DID_c/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[commodorez]

commodorez, will you show off that home setup you mentioned in that reblog

Gladly! Buckle up!

Here's the breakdown:

The main rack of equipment contains the following (from the top):

Knox RS16x16 composite video/audio router

Blackmagic Design Smart Videohub 20x20 3G-SDI video router (3G -SDI is equivalent to 1080p60)

Kramer VP-501XL UXGA (VGA at 1600x1200) to composite converter

CQ-900 Real Time Color Quad (allows 4 video composite video signals to be combined into one, spaced into 4 quadrants)

Extron AVT-100 tuner (for demodulating RF on old game systems)

Extron DVS-304 Scan Converter/Scaler (DVI version with SDI input option)

Videotek VSG-201D 601 Digital Sync Generator (barely used)

Digital Processing Systems Inc. DPS-220 TBC/Frame Synchronizer

Ubiquity Unifi 24 port gigabit switch (unrelated to video stuff)

Hidden behind the rack are a pair of Blackmagic Design signal converters: one SDI to Analog, and one Analog to SDI.

The RS16x16 takes center stage, since most standard definition signals and all of the audio routes through it. Here's the current router chart:

Video and audio on this router can be sent as a pair, or separately as I so choose. I control it via the front panel keypad and watch the status on the LED matrix, but I can also run it via RS232 in a terminal. I've been thinking of making my own control panel for it modeled after the NV9601.

Many of these sources are audio from my various computers, video and audio from vintage computers, connections for a game system or two, and some other oddities. The destinations are a few vintage computer monitors and some video encoder devices on my various desktops, which I control mostly from OBS.

The last 4 destinations are the CQ-900 Quad's inputs for video, and 4 faders on my AM500 Stereo Mixer for audio. This means I can pick 4 things and give each one a fader on the mixer:

This is my Atus AM500 stereo mixer. The output of which runs to the Scott Integrated Amplifier 480A below, which runs to two sets of speakers in my workshop. I can have a video game running on one fader, audio from a voice chat on another, and music on a third. Works great for co-op games or streaming stuff.

Source/Destination #10 is labeled Bench, which is my workbench across the room:

On the workbench I have a Knox RS8x8 composite video router hooked to a bidirectional tie line to the main RX16x16 router. This means I can send a signal over to the test equipment, or send something being tested on the bench over to the main router, and then to an encoder device. There's also an SDI line to carry the HD feed from one of my bench cameras over to the SDI router, but I don't always use that.

The workbench router doesn't have too much wired to it, so I haven't written up a chart. I've got two bench cameras, a small monochrome monitor, and a TV, plus the ability to run video cables directly to an oscilloscope.

Here's what it looks like behind the main rack:

Yeah. It's a mess, but it's always in flux, so I don't bother arranging the cables too neatly. I try to use BNC terminated cables whenever possible, but occasionally I have to use RCA adapters. Right now the TBC and the Sync Generator aren't wired up because I don't need them. I unplug the SDI router when I'm not using it because it's loud and obnoxious.

Most of this is surplus gear I got for cheap, mixed in with inexpensive new bits and pieces of things I scored online. I've got other equipment scattered about that I connect as needed. There are also video adapters you don't see here, and this doesn't even cover all of the various encoding hardware I have installed in my desktop computers.

So, that's my setup (as of right now). It will be different in a month, I'm sure.

[advacademy]

4 Ways Technology is Transforming Education

Introduction

Students' lives have been made easier by the entrance of technology into the world of education. Teachers can now engage with students in a variety of unique ways, and they can educate in a variety of methods. Unlike in the past, classrooms have become more inclusive. Today, technology has made teaching an easy profession for instructors, as well as easing their workload. The Best Schools in Indore include new technology from an educational perspective .

Let’s know how technology is changing the face of education and how it will look soon.

Here are a Few Technology Trends in Education

1. Multimedia in Education

In the age of technology, multimedia is a center of opportunities and possibilities for teachers and students. We are all familiar with multimedia, but for the uninitiated, it includes audio, videos, music, infographics, gifs, and more formats. Teachers' teaching quality has improved as a result of the use of audio, video, and other multimedia capabilities, and they are now better able to instruct students.

Teachers and students can use PowerPoint presentations, animation, and other tools to prepare their projects in novel ways. Students and professors can communicate better through multimedia. When it comes to education, multimedia is a godsend.

2. Augmented Reality in Education

Teachers can use augmented reality to give better instruction to their students. There are dozens of applications accessible for education that target various components needed by students and teachers. For example, 3D arts definition apps are available to teach visual arts. Visual representation makes education easier and more understandable.

By increasing teacher-student engagement and interaction, augmented reality improves teachers' learning outcomes. AR is becoming a need for schools because it is inexpensive, easy to use, and effective.

3. E-study Material

The primary sources of information used to be instructors and students. The only way to study extra was to go to the library or collect books from various places. It also wastes their time. However, pupils benefit from the availability of internet study materials. Study materials can be accessed online while students sit in one place. They do not need to go to the library to find study materials. They can have access to the information at any time and from any location. It has made it very simple through E-Library, and it provides students with a plethora of options from which to choose for their convenience.

4. Artificial Intelligence in Education

Teachers can now benefit from artificial intelligence. Grading systems were time-consuming, however, technology has recently introduced an automated grading system for multiple-choice questions. Artificial intelligence also suggests that learners improve in areas where they are poor.

Thus, there is little doubt that technology is transforming education.

[fumpkins]

How to shoot with Super 8 film

This article was originally featured on Popular Photography.

Super 8’s grainy, nostalgic look is having a moment right now, popping up everywhere from music videos to blockbuster TV shows. But even outside of pop culture, the consumer-friendly Super 8 film format is winning the hearts of amateurs and the analog community. If it’s caught your eye, too, here’s everything you need to know about getting started shooting Super 8 film.

This format might just be the king (or queen) of home movies. Introduced in 1965 by Kodak, it was a step up from the 8mm film that came before it, both in terms of quality—thanks to its larger frame size—and usability. This led it to be positioned as the new movie-making format of the masses.

More cost-effective than 16mm or 35mm, Super 8 film is housed in inexpensive plastic cartridges, so it’s easier to handle and load, too. These cartridges also convey to the camera important bits of information, like the film speed as well as filter information for B&W film. And in 1975, a magnetic strip was added to the cartridges to capture audio.

With its launch, Super 8 put the power of creativity in the hands of regular people. Suddenly, everyone was a movie maker.

Super 8 film today

Today, the medium is still very much alive—and by many indications—both doing well and picking up steam. Aside from the enthusiasts scooping up used cameras to record their summers, some of the biggest names in entertainment are turning to film—and Super 8 specifically—for their creative projects.

Harry Styles’ Watermelon Sugar, Katy Perry’s Daisies, Chopard’s short film with Julia Roberts, Burger King, and more have used Super 8 footage to create a grainy, vintage, old-school effect. Search for the medium on YouTube, and you’ll find there’s no lack of videos showing off the medium.

What Super 8 camera should I buy?

How much should I pay for a Super 8 camera?

Options are plentiful when it comes to used Super 8 cameras. Major brands still circulating include Canon, Nikon, and the king of Super 8, Beaulieu. Other brands like Minolta and Chinon sell for under $100, while Canon and Nikon Super 8 cameras can run as low as $300, depending on the model. But Beaulieu cameras are sure to command a heftier (over $500) price tag.

You can buy Super 8 cameras pretty much anywhere secondhand electronics are sold, including Ebay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and used camera shops (like Pro8mm). But also know that an astute searcher may find luck befalls them at random garage or yard sale. The main thing you want to do when buying a Super 8 camera is make sure the motor works. If it doesn’t, you won’t be able to advance your film.

What to look for when buying any Super 8 camera

Some cameras may have a crank and are completely manual. Others will require batteries. If possible, go for a film-tested camera and always ask to see the footage and any CLA (clean, lube, adjust) certification the seller may have. It’ll be more expensive but save you the agony of wasted money on the back end. Developing Super 8 film isn’t cheap any way you slice it, so better to know you’ve got a working camera beforehand.

Best Super 8 cameras under $100

If you want to get your toes wet, there are Super 8 cameras out there under $100. The Chinon 723 XL is a good option with its autofocusing capabilities, and so is the Minolta XL 400 with its Zoom Rokkor-Macro lens, which has 13 elements. Both will shoot at 18 frames per second (fps).

If you can’t find those exact models, consider also the Bauer C series (A512 in particular), the Minolta Autopak 8 D6, and the Chinon 213 PXL. The Bauer A512 specifically may run you a little over $100.

Best Super 8 cameras under $500

The sought-after brands live here: Canon and Nikon occupy the top end of this range. Particularly, the Canon 310, 514, or 814 series are popular choices and finds. At the time of its release, the Canon 514XL had the world’s fastest lens at f/1.0. While the Auto Zoom 814, which is comprised of an all-metal mechanical design, was the first Super 8 camera to have an 8x zoom range with an f/1.4 lens.

There are also a handful of other Super 8 cameras that fall on the lower side of the spectrum, too, such as the Sankyo Sound SL-60S and Elmo 1012S-XL. The Nikon R8 and R10 would be considered the high end of this range.

Best Super 8 cameras $500+

If you’re sure Super 8 is your medium, you might find yourself fancying the fanciest of them all: The Beaulieu 4008ZM II. With beautiful design and a reputation for being the best Super 8 camera ever created, there’s a lot to its name. Thanks to its built-in rangefinder, plentiful shooting options (you can adjust the frame rate from 2fps to 50fps), and interchangeable lens design, this French-made camera gives creators plenty of control over their vision. Expect to spend at least $600, with mint kits running up to $5,000.

Also on the market are the Beaulieu S2008 and the 5008S, the latter of which is considered the professional model.

Several types of Canon cameras can still be found on the used market. Connor Betts on Unsplash

Types of Super 8 film and where to buy it 

Kodak is the main purveyor of Super 8 film, and it’s available from major retailers like Adorama, Amazon, and B&H. The options are Kodak Vision 3 (color-negative 50D, 500T, and 200T); Tri-X reversal 7266; and Ektachrome 100D color reversal.

However, you can also find B&W Fomapan R100 film, and Pro8mm packages their own, which you can buy in a bundle to include processing. Film cartridges run about $40 ($27 if you’re going for Fomapan) and can record 2.5 minutes at 24fps and 3.3 minutes at 18fps. Expect to pay at least $25 to process it.

If shooting Super 8 for the first time, we recommend grabbing the Kodak Vision 3 50D and shooting in daylight. 500T and 200T are balanced for tungsten light, and as a color-reversal film, Ektachrome is quite saturated. These might be better to experiment with once you’re more familiar with the medium.

Though the beloved Kodachrome is no more, there are still plenty of Super 8 film options on the market. Connor Betts on Unsplash.

How to use a light meter for Super 8 video 

Most cameras will often come with an internal meter, but unless you’ve confirmed it works, an external light meter is always a solid investment, whether you shoot stills or video. I personally use a Sekonic L358, but we’ve also got a list of best light meters for you to choose from. If you’re not ready to take the plunge on a real light meter, there are some apps, like Lumu, that have a video mode.

To use the light meter, you’d best take a look at the instructions, as each may differ slightly in how to operate the video mode. But, generally, you’ll want it to be in the f/s mode (frames per second), as opposed to A (aperture) or T (for shutter speed). Know that the frame rate you choose will affect how long you can film—at 24fps, you won’t shoot as much footage vs. 18fps.  

Where to get Super 8 film developed

There are still a good number of film processors that will develop (and scan) Super 8 film. A good bet is to see if there’s a local spot in your area that still processes Super 8. If not, see the list below for where to develop Super 8 film.

Super 8 film can be developed at home or at a lab. Processing at home requires steep upfront costs and is best suited to experienced film developers. Thomas William on Unsplash.

Pro8mm

Pro8mm has an incredibly robust lineup of offerings, from selling/renting Super 8 cameras to film development packages. They’ve processed film for Harry Styles, Drake, and Katy Perry, to name a few. Their packages include film, processing, development, and color correction. If you find yourself really bitten by the analog film bug, they’ll also do 16mm, double Super 8mm, and Super 16mm films. 

Film Photography Store

The Film Photography Store has many films on offer, from Super 8 to 35mm and 16mm, which they will also develop and digitize. 

Negativeland Film

Negativeland is a motion-picture lab that will process Super 8 and 16mm films.

Color Lab

Working with clients including National Geographic Channel, NBC, HBO, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Color Lab processes 35mm, 16mm, and Super 8 color negative film and Super 8 B&W film.  

BB Optics

BB Optics specializes in motion picture processing for Super 8, 16mm, Super 16mm, and 35mm, also offering color grading services and post-production supervision. 

How to develop Super 8 film at home 

This is a real commitment and should only be attempted if you have prior experience developing your own film. If you don’t, try 35mm first before taking on the (literally) gargantuan task of processing Super 8.

For those who want to take the plunge, any old developing tank won’t do. You’ll need a special drum that will accommodate the reel, which is typically 50 feet per cartridge. A Jobo Super 8/16mm drum kit (drum, tank, and foot pump) will run you about $880—and that’s before you’ve procured the chemicals.

After you’ve picked up the drum, you’ll want to consult the shop on the chemicals you’ll need to process the film. Then, you’ll need to make sure you have space. Practically, will you be able to hang 50 feet of film somewhere while it dries? This video delves into more specifics to consider.

How to convert Super 8 film to digital  

Digitizing film reels is usually included or an optional add-on to the development package at labs. However, if you’re going to shoot a decent volume of film and want to save a little money, you can scan it at home—with less hassle than the development process.

Scanners are available from Amazon, B&H, and other retailers, and Wolverine Data seems to be the brand of choice. The Wolverine 8mm and Super 8mm Film Reel Converter retails for $299.95 and will digitize film at a resolution of 720 pixels. For $100 more, the Wolverine Digital Movie Maker Pro scans at 1080 pixels. Simply load up the film and the scanner does the rest, compiling the footage onto an SD card (that you must provide). This video offers a detailed tutorial on how to set yours up.

Further resources for Super 8

Feeling daunted? Don’t be—at the end of the day, you only need three things: A working camera, film, and a place to develop. Should you be searching for additional resources, try the Pro8mm Super 8 Reference Library, which features tips, a film calculator, education, manuals, and more. Super8camera.com is also a wonderful compendium of the medium. Happy movie-making.

New post published on: https://livescience.tech/2022/08/03/how-to-shoot-with-super-8-film/

[audio-luddite]

Pontificate

VERB

express one's opinions in a way considered annoyingly pompous and dogmatic.

Yah OK that is me (sometimes?). Though it is a common thread in the audio hobby. Tribes form and hold fast to their dogma. You know how that works. Tubes are best. MOSFETs are best. Give me Single Ended Triodes, or give me death. At the head of these tribes are annoyingly earnest people. Only they are right, all others are misguided.

My tribe is vinyl is best. Linear tracking turntables are the best. ARC Preamps ...... well you get the idea. I am pretty open about other things. Any amplifier technology that works is OK in my books as long as we have triple digit Watts on tap and some damping factor.

The most egregious pontificators are the golden ears with YouTube channels and or magazine columns. I find them entertaining especially when they miss things or just go far down some rabbit hole. That is why I check them out so often.

Take for example a person reviewing a speaker. There are so many methods, techniques, and design philosophies that your head will spin. Whichever speaker on review is very good to the best (depending). That Audiophiliac guy has had 60 year old Klipschs and bi-polar planars and baffleless cones, and boxes and well everything as his go-to reference at one time or another. He has interviewed speaker designers and praised their work while keeping completely different types as his reference.

Thing is I have a problem with contradictions. If one way is best the others are not. For example PS audio makes a speaker range that has an exotic diaphragm based treble driver that is the end result of years of work. In many respects it is the child of one of the early speaker design gods Arnie Nudell of Infinity fame. It is apparently VERY good.

BUT there are competing designs by Wilson Audio which is by many people considered the GOAT but uses fairly conventional magnetic coil based drivers. Many of them very carefully tuned but still box based.

The trick here is the position of the drivers can be adjusted to exactly align with your head-in-a-vice listening position.

Then you have electrostatics and planar magnetics and on and on.

So which approach is the best?

Those guys above are both are not inexpensive and have quite divergent design philosophies. So actually neither can be best.

I am certain they both sound very good with well matched equipment and room treatment. The room has to be "tamed" to work with these guys.

Any speaker can sound good within limits. Many sound very good even with flaws that someone from another tribe would consider fatal.

I do not like speakers that blow sound out front and back. I built those and was happy, but very much of what you hear is not in the source. It is an effect that muddles the sound. It is sound waves bouncing off back walls and other surfaces. Your brain compensates for that. I now prefer to minimize brain compensation.

Clarity and wide frequency range are my thing. Clarity means a minimum of extra sound waves coherently produced. Wide range means deep bass, and well my high frequency is not what is once was, but I have measured response way over my ear's limit.

If you sit in close to the "good" spot and cannot even identify where the speakers are that is good. You just want a curtain of sound an illusion of something or even somewhere else stretched across the room. That is the true goal. If you have that you are there already.

I recall a golden ear saying that a particular tube amplifier had very little "tube fuzz". I supposed that meant he heard it often, but forgave the other devices that flaw. "Solid State detail" was another thing he said. So SS has more detail? I recall another questioning MOSFETs as having a particular not quite right characteristic. Of course very many think that old school Bipolar transistors are fundamentally wrong for not quite clear reasons.

I could go on for hours about phono pickups. I may have once or twice, but I have some wise men on my side.

It all falls down to my mantra. There is no best. Better is what you like. If you like something more it is better.

[aerolamindustries]

XLPE Sheet: A Sturdy and Adaptable Material for Noise Abatement, Insulation, and Other Applications

XLPE sheet, often referred to as cross-linked polyethylene sheet, is a multipurpose material composed of closed-cell polyethylene foam that has undergone cross-linking to enhance certain physical characteristics. Because of its numerous advantages, it is a well-liked option for a range of uses. These are a few of the main characteristics of XLPE sheet:

Thermal insulation: The ability of XLPE sheet to impede heat transmission makes it an effective thermal insulator. This can help keep buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Acoustic insulation: XLPE sheets are a useful tool for minimizing noise transfer. For surfaces like ceilings, floors, and walls, this can be advantageous.

Moisture barrier: Because XLPE sheet resists moisture, it's a fantastic option for places like crawl spaces and basements where moisture damage is common.

Vibration damping: The XLPE sheet has the potential to reduce vibrations. Applications like in-car audio systems or under appliances can benefit from this.

Chemical resistance: Because XLPE sheet is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, it is a wise choice for industrial use.

Fire resistance: A few varieties of XLPE sheet provide fire resistance as well.

To customize XLPE sheet to a project's exact specifications, it comes in an array of sizes, thicknesses, and facings, including self-adhesive backing and aluminum foil. It may be cut using utility scissors or a knife, and installation is likewise rather simple. Using XLPE sheet has the following advantages:

XLPE sheet has a wide range of uses, making it versatile.

Installing XLPE sheet is simple since it is straightforward to cut and place.

Sturdy: XLPE sheet is impervious to UV light, chemicals, and moisture.

Lightweight: XLPE sheet has a low weight and is manageable.

Economical: XLPE sheet is an inexpensive kind of insulation. There are a few restrictions to take into account, though:

R-value is lower than that of certain other forms of insulation: While offering thermal insulation, XLPE sheet often has a lower R-value than rockwool or fiberglass, among other forms of insulation. A material's resistance to heat flow is measured by its R-value. The quality of insulation increases with the R-value.

More air gap could be necessary for optimum performance: When XLPE sheet is put with an air gap on one or both sides, it may perform better in particular applications. This promotes airflow and may raise the heat resistance in general.

In general, XLPE sheet is an economical and adaptable material that can be applied to a wide range of tasks. When moisture resistance, vibration damping, chemical resistance, thermal insulation, or acoustic insulation are required, this material is a viable option.

[leftluminarytragedy]

 Best 15 Vocal Microphones for Singing at Home - Mugafi

If you want to record songs at home and you have no idea about which microphone to use, then here I am to help you out, covering from the cheapest to the most expensive microphone you can use to record your song at home. Frankly speaking, your performance is what matters. No matter which microphones you use for singing, your songs will sound amazing, but the fact cannot be ignored that a good microphone for singing will make your vocals sound pleasant and soothing to the listeners.

Types of Microphone

Before discussing various microphones for singing, let us understand the different types of microphones.

USB Microphone

If you need a convenient microphone for singing at home, it is a great choice. A USB microphone has an interface built in itself, which enables you to plug it directly into your USB port. A USB Microphone also has amplifications so as to adjust the signals at the right levels. There are a plethora of options when you use a USB microphone for singing at home.

The problem with a USB microphone is that you cannot replace or change it and also cannot connect other microphones for singing until and unless you purchase new USB microphones for singing. For this reason, I rather advise you to invest in purchasing an interface, or you can also go with a dynamic microphone, which is inexpensive too. While you are using the dynamic microphone for singing at home, it is very convenient to jump or upgrade to the condenser as per your need.

Dynamic Microphone

A dynamic microphone is very useful and makes a lot of sense for singing at home. It is a great microphone for singing as it features a cardioid pickup pattern. Usually, you’ll use a dynamic mic when you wish to record any instrument or vocalist with either a broader range in amplitude (volume) or that is really loud. They can withstand higher SPLs without getting damaged or distorting inside.

Condenser Microphone

It will be best to choose a condenser microphone for singing. If you have a good budget, then you should definitely invest in a condenser microphone for singing at home, and I promise you will not regret investing in it. Also, whenever you are using a condenser microphone at home for recording, then do purchase a Pop Filter that will improve your vocal quality, making it clear as it eliminates breathing noises and extra background sounds. Condenser microphones overcome the flaws of the dynamic microphone as they specialize in recording small details when coupled with phantom power.

These were three main features or types you can say when it comes to different types of microphones.

Commonly used Microphone for Singing at Home

Let us discuss some of the most widely used microphones for singing at home or studio.

Shure MV7 USB

Shure MV7 Podcast Mic is easy to use. It has an in-built DSP, which is adjustable as per the requirement with high quality and dual-format, which means you can use it as either a USB Mic or as an XLR Mic or even as both at the same time.

AKG Lyra

The AKG Lyra is marketed as an ‘Ultra-HD Multimode USB microphone.’ It is very flexible in its use. You just have to plug it into your computer, load up your audio software, and here you are, good to go.

Blue Yeti

A blue yeti USB Mic is one with a switchable pickup pattern. This microphone looks super cool when kept at your desk. A blue yeti pro USB is the upper version of a blue yeti mic with some additional benefits.

RODE NT1

A is one of the best condenser microphones for beginners. This microphone has a large-diaphragm transducer type (25 mm), with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20 kHz. The Rode NT1-A has a cardioid polar pattern and a good frequency response that focuses on your performance and captures minutes of the details with no alterations.

Shure SM7B

This is one of the most widely used microphones for vocal recording.

The Shure SM7B is a favourite among professional musicians because of its dependable performance, premium build quality, and noise-cancelling software that allows for crystal-clear recordings. This microphone is intended for experienced experts and aspiring professionals in the industry; it is not for people just starting out in the recording. All recording ranges benefit greatly from the uniform frequency response, and various responses can be used in other studio applications.

It is the ideal companion for controlled-environment recording. Depending on the intended outcome, users can alternate between the three frequency responses flat, bass roll-off, and presence enhancement.

The high-pass frequency response is advantageous for professional audio mixers. It works wonders for reducing low-frequency electronic hums caused by nearby equipment.

KU5A microphone

A unique transformer and JFET circuitry are included with the active KU5A. Similar to the A440, R84A, and NUVO ribbon microphones, it has a unique transformer that boosts output while reducing perceptible noise and maintaining impedance. This permits more versatility with various preamps, including those found in audio interfaces, and consistent frequency response. When recording quiet sources like vocals and delicate acoustic guitars, the enhanced output of the KU5A is helpful, and the active circuitry eliminates background noise. Standard 48-volt phantom power is used to operate the KU5A.

DPA d: facto Vocal Mic

This super-cardioid condenser vocal microphone produces a sound that is incredibly crisp and well-defined. A multipurpose capsule is housed in the d: facto. The super-cardioid capsule can be used with a variety of wireless microphone systems, including Sony, Lectrosonics, Shure, Wisycom, Sennheiser, and more, by utilizing an optional adaptor. You’ll definitely enjoy the super-cardioid polar pattern of the mic on stage because it maximizes gain-before-feedback. The outstanding quality of DPA’s studio microphones is well known. With the DPA d: facto Vocal Mic, you can now achieve that fantastic sound live.

Audio Technica AT4040 microphone

The AT4040 offers exceptionally low noise, a wide dynamic range, and high-SPL capability for maximum versatility. It combines technical accuracy with creative inspiration. Even under the strict requirements of digital recording systems, this ultra-consistent microphone can be utilized with confidence in a wide range of studio and live miking applications. Transformer-free and symmetrical low-noise circuitry in the AT4040 produces very good transient responsiveness and clean output signals for transparent reproduction of even the most challenging instruments and sound effects.

Shure KSM32

A side-address, cardioid, single-diaphragm embossed condenser microphone for singing and live sound productions and demanding studio recordings. An open, genuine sounding reproduction of the original sound source is possible with the Shure KSM32 because of its expanded frequency response.

Neumann TLM 103

The TLM 103’s extraordinarily low self-noise is still hailed as a breakthrough. Technically speaking, a noise level of only 7 dB (A). In other words, the TLM 103 has such low noise levels that even the most subtle differences may be heard. As a result, it is ideal for demanding sample creation and instrumental recordings, as well as high-definition vocal and audio drama productions.

WA-47

Based on the iconic ’47 that has been utilized on innumerable hit records for the past 50+ years, the WA-47 is an all-vacuum tube, big diaphragm, transformer balanced, multi-pattern (9), large condenser microphone. With exceptional results on voices, acoustic/electric guitars, acoustic/electric basses, drums, piano, strings, brass/woodwind instruments, and a variety of other sources, the WA-47 is ideal for a professional studio home studio, live, and broadcast applications.

MA-200

The MA-200 is the result of Royer’s more than 20 years of experience designing bespoke microphones. Without the shrillness and high-frequency grunge so frequently heard with contemporary condenser microphones, the large-diaphragm MA-200 provides warm, full-bodied renditions of vocalists and instruments.

You may also like to read: What is the Best Age to Learn to Sing?

TF29 Copperhead

The TF29 Copperhead is a development of the CU-29 Copperhead, a unique TELEFUNKEN Elektroakustik design that won admirers for its unrivalled “quality for price” and natural, un-hyped tone. The TF29 upholds this reputation for exceptional pricing and sonic quality. It is a workhorse microphone that captures voices, electric and acoustic guitar, percussion, and almost any source placed in front of it honestly and correctly.

Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone

It is the most often used contemporary tube vocal mic worldwide. Top producers and voiceover artists both like the Manley Reference Cardioid Tube Microphone because it has that “complete” sound right out of the box.

This is the standard microphone for singing contemporary pop music; it is adoring, present, and enormous. The Manley Ref C is sometimes called the “Just Add Talent” microphone.

The Virtual Microphone System

The “VMS” is a hybrid system that makes use of an incredibly transparent condenser microphone, a preamp that is musically neutral, and a cutting-edge digital processing suite that mimics the sound of vintage microphones and preamps. Audio engineers may now access the virtual microphone closet of their dreams for less than $1,000. Thanks to the Virtual Microphone System, which knocks down the barrier separating them from expensive, top-notch audio equipment.

READ MORE...AI Story Generator Tool Script Screenplay Writing software | Mugafi

[williamberry5683]

UK IPTV: A Comprehensive Guide to Streaming Live TV

In latest years, IPTV (internet protocol television) has gained a tremendous following as an increasingly famous alternative to conventional broadcast and cable TV. With the advent of low cost clever TVs and streaming devices, it’s now easier than ever to move your favorite TV indicates, movies or maybe sports activities stay from the consolation of your home. This writes-up makes a specialty of IPTV offerings especially designed for customers in the UK. Here’s a complete guide to UK IPTV.

What is UK IPTV?

IPTV UK is honestly a service that makes use of the net to stream stay TV channels, as opposed to standard broadcast television. A sort of channels, each home and global, are streamed in actual-time through a hard and fast-top container or an app on your smart TV. With this provider, users can get right of entry to live TV channels, video-on-call for content, and different functions via a single platform. It’s additionally a wonderful alternative to traditional cable or satellite TV, as it calls for no installations or contracts.

How does UK IPTV paintings?

One of the precise factors of IPTV subscription services is the manner they deliver splendid video content over the internet. The gadget works by means of transmitting video and audio alerts as information packets over the internet, with users accessing a gateway portal that connects them to a particular channel or video-on-call for content material. Some IPTV carriers can also require extra hardware, which includes a fixed-top box or dedicated IPTV device, while others may be accessed immediately via an app.

What are the advantages of UK IPTV?

UK IPTV offers several blessings over conventional broadcast television, along with get entry to to greater channels, on-call for content material, and an inexpensive pricing structure. For sports activities fanatics, IPTV services provide stay coverage of principal events and games from around the sector. Additionally, IPTV offerings also can be accessed from everywhere with a strong internet connection.

In conclusion, UK IPTV offerings provide a huge range of blessings and blessings over traditional cable or satellite tv for pc TV. With its affordable pricing, greater channel selection and superior generation, it’s clean to look why IPTV has emerge as one of these popular choice amongst TV visitors. To get the maximum out of your IPTV enjoy, make certain to pick out a good company with a sturdy music file in handing over terrific content.

Get your subscription nowadays: Uk Iptv